as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
some sociologists specialize in studying the lawbreaking elements of society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code
even something as simple as littering is considered an example of lawbreaking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in criminality
activities that are in violation of the laws of the state
an outbreak of lawbreaking plagued the city in the months following the end of the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lawbreaking
Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
In an effort to send a message to any minors planning to descend on the Jersey Shore for a weekend of lawbreaking and recklessness, Vaz is vowing to prosecute both the offending child and their parents.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
These criminal employers profit from lawbreaking.
—CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
The sponsor of the employer crime bill said that lawbreaking was wrong and the bill is constitutional.
—Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Barack Obama pledged to look forward and not backwards, not only closing the door on prosecutions for executive lawbreaking but also failing to hold accountable those responsible for the 2008 financial crisis and the ensuing Great Recession.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
While the governor’s benevolent instincts are laudable, leniency here would only invite more lawbreaking, and ultimately, more suffering — in Colorado and beyond.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
But Bondi demanding compliance before any lawbreaking by protesters is the same thing for which her own FBI is investigating six members of Congress who called on our military not to obey unlawful orders.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Rather than portraying Cracolândia’s inhabitants as violent, lawbreaking addicts, Som da Maloka captures their artistry as singers, musicians, and poets, with Escobar putting their talents on full display through local carnival parades organized by his Blocolândia initiative.
—Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Noun
Both Goss and DeVries agreed senior citizens should notify police if residents have been victims of scams or have concerns before moving ahead with possible lawbreaking schemes.
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
In an effort to send a message to any minors planning to descend on the Jersey Shore for a weekend of lawbreaking and recklessness, Vaz is vowing to prosecute both the offending child and their parents.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
These criminal employers profit from lawbreaking.
—CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
The sponsor of the employer crime bill said that lawbreaking was wrong and the bill is constitutional.
—Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Barack Obama pledged to look forward and not backwards, not only closing the door on prosecutions for executive lawbreaking but also failing to hold accountable those responsible for the 2008 financial crisis and the ensuing Great Recession.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
While the governor’s benevolent instincts are laudable, leniency here would only invite more lawbreaking, and ultimately, more suffering — in Colorado and beyond.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
But Bondi demanding compliance before any lawbreaking by protesters is the same thing for which her own FBI is investigating six members of Congress who called on our military not to obey unlawful orders.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Rather than portraying Cracolândia’s inhabitants as violent, lawbreaking addicts, Som da Maloka captures their artistry as singers, musicians, and poets, with Escobar putting their talents on full display through local carnival parades organized by his Blocolândia initiative.
—Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawbreaking
Adjective
-
The accusations against Burton have raised questions about his criminal background and the vetting process city officials use before hiring someone for Safe Streets.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
The insecurity crisis is frustrating business owners, human rights defenders and regular Haitians who are forced to navigate a capital that is largely controlled by criminal gangs.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The Statesman reported last December that Boise police provided extra security to Mayor Lauren McLean after Fitzpatrick offered a minimum $10,000 reward for information that could lead to her arrest and conviction — for unidentified crimes.—
Noah Daly,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
-
Yet, a year later, only one woman has been charged with the crimes federal immigration authorities said drew them to the meatpacking plant in the first place.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Both Dodington and Blanton praised the state for treating violence as a public health problem rather than an issue of criminality.—
Emilia Otte,
Hartford Courant,
13 June 2026
-
That politicians and governments and banks and other far-reaching institutions do not face the consequences of their criminality.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
-
Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Noun
-
The establishment later corrected the violation, according to a follow-up inspection.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2026
-
The bill specifically authorizes financial damages, because under current law, plaintiffs can only obtain injunctions that prevent future or ongoing violations, the summary said.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Others like Asleep at the Wheel founder Ray Benson highlighted Malo’s rebellious side, sharing a hazy memory of a joint shared in a Grammy Awards bathroom.—
Chris Parton,
Rolling Stone,
6 Dec. 2025
-
Pulley credits that campaign with helping change the image of motorcycles from rebellious to something more acceptable to the mainstream and boosting Honda’s sales position dramatically.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
Freep.com,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Carolina will need Moehrig to atone for his San Francisco sin by smashing (legally) the Saints (3-10) on the road.—
Mike Kaye
December 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Dec. 2025
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It may be considered a sin to eat at The Dock without trying the fish tacos, which are served blackened, grilled, or fried—they're then topped with pico de gallo, red cabbage, cotija cheese, baja sauce, and esquites (Mexican street corn).—
Megan Margulies,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The store was run by Sam Yuen, head of one of Los Angeles’ tongs, which were secret societies made up of men from China who often dabbled in illicit activities.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
Parents, experts and lawmakers have urged tech giants to do more to prevent the sale of counterfeit or illicit drugs to young people through their platforms after multiple teens have died of overdoses from pills bought online.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lawbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawbreaking. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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